Insider Shares Lakers Stance On Potentially Trading Austin Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers built a good roster in the offseason and head coach Darvin Ham seems to be happy with his current squad. Well, NBA analysts keep providing realistic trade scenarios for the Lakers and one of them puts Austin Reaves on the trade block.

The Lakers have been linked to Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls. Jovan Buha from The Athletic discussed this potential trade, but did remind everyone that the Lakers won’t go too far with their interest in LaVine. According to him, Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka won’t add Reaves to any trade deal.

REAVES pic.twitter.com/aDrQKmbogC

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 11, 2023

“The Lakers aren’t interested in including Reaves in a potential LaVine deal despite his recent move to the bench, according to multiple team sources,” Buha wrote on November 16.

Lakers could use other options instead of trading Reaves

The Lakers can still use D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and Rui Hachimura, but they are still ineligible for a trade. Fun fact? There are other options for the purple and gold.

“The Lakers have exhibited interest in DeRozan and, to a lesser extent, LaVine for several years,” Buha added. “Meanwhile, Caruso’s departure in the summer of 2021 remains a thorny topic around the organization.”

The Lakers won’t rush their decision making and they have enough time to make the right move. Is LaVine the best option for the team? Will the Lakers even try to get him or DeRozan? They don’t seem to be having any issues regarding their depth. Maybe players need more time to build stronger connections. They have won games with ease.

Buha noted that LA will have a few weeks to make a move.

“In any event, any potential Lavine trade — and/or one involving DeRozan and/or Caruso — is several weeks away at a minimum,” wrote Buha. “The Lakers’ play between now and Dec. 15, but more likely Jan. 15, will ultimately determine which of their players are made available in a trade and whether they decide to pursue a bigger or smaller move.”